The Implanted Word Podcast

When we face a challenge and no one is around to assist us, we tend to help ourselves by talking to our inner selves. But you may be wondering how is it bad. Pastor Bill explains today, how self-talk leads to bad situations. When you start relying on yourself instead of God, your perception shifts. You may begin to relate to Bible verses that are irrelevant to your situation and thus make a poor decision. However, you can change that by always communicating with God and relying on His guidance.

Peter was far from perfect. He wasn’t qualified to be a leader of the biggest religious movement in history. In one of Jesus’ darkest moments in his earthly ministry, Peter couldn’t stand with Him. He faltered and fell. But, as Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, this didn’t change Jesus’ love for Peter. He had great plans for him and because Peter humbled himself in repentance, God was able to use him to establish the first church and reach thousands, and ultimately millions of people with the Gospel.

We weren’t there to see it, and Scripture only offers a certain level of detail, but I think Pastor Bill’s right… Some may imagine Jesus looking at Peter with disappointment or even disgust after he denied him three times, but more likely, with what we know about Jesus, it was a look of sadness for Peter. He wasn’t sad for Himself as his friend denied their relationship. Peter’s heart broke in repentance realizing that he had put his own safety and comfort over his faithfulness to his rabbi and friend in this dark moment.

As Pastor Bill will point out in today’s message, Peter’s actions at Jesus’ arrest would be considered heroic by many. He wanted to protect his rabbi from harm. He swung for the head and caught the ear of Malchus in his effort to save Jesus from him. What he misunderstood is that Jesus was allowing all of this to happen to save Malchus along with every single one of the people who called for His death. As you approach your own persecutors, it’s important to remember that Jesus’ mission is to save those people.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney were closer to the Gospel than they likely realized when they penned the words to the song “All You Need is Love”. The major difference lies in the definition and source of that love. The world sees love as the warm fuzzy feelings you get from a particular person - it’s all about how it makes you feel. God’s love is all about serving others and giving yourself for them. As Pastor Bill will explain in today’s message, if we all had that kind of Love, this world would be transformed.

People go to great lengths and expense to secure the future for themselves and their loved ones. Whether it’s your health or wealth - they both can easily become an idol as you seek ways to extend your life or make it more comfortable and safe. It’s not that you should neglect your physical or financial health… both are tools you can use for God’s glory - but, as Pastor Bill will remind us in today’s message, ultimately you have no control over tomorrow, and only Jesus can give you security for eternity.

Jesus wasn’t surprised by anything He encountered in His earthly ministry and He isn’t surprised by anything you experience in this life. It’s hard to fathom that level of knowledge and awareness from our perspective. We live in temporary bodies, limited by the continuous march of time. Jesus has existed since before time began and will continue to exist long after it ends. As Pastor Bill will encourage us in today’s message, our Savior knows what’s coming and He’ll carry you through it if you trust in Him.

How do we understand “the love of God”? What does it mean to be loved by God? How much does God love you? You may be surprised to hear what Jesus prayed about that. He actually prayed that the same love that exists between Himself and His Father would be shared with you. Today, Pastor Bill shares how the love of God can transform your life into a life of love. And that love can bring you not only into a close personal relationship with God but also into a genuine loving community of God’s people.  

What does it mean to be in unity with others? Is it the same as uniformity? Does it mean to dress the same, think the same, … vote the same? Today, Pastor Bill shows that unity in Christ is one of His most beautiful gifts. It was the prayer of Jesus: that all of His followers would be united in His love. And just as He prayed for His immediate followers, He also prayed for His followers today. Jesus is asking His Father, on your behalf, for His gift of unity to be present in your life, in every way.

We know that Jesus frequently prayed to His Father for His closest disciples. He prayed for their joy, for their strength, and for their devotion. Wouldn’t it be great if Jesus prayed for you like that? Today, Pastor Bill shares that Jesus did indeed pray for you. Just as Jesus prayed for his immediate followers, He also prayed for everyone who would become His followers after them. Jesus is always praying to His Father on your behalf. He is praying for your joy, for your strength, and for your devotion.